The Baldfaced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) is sometimes
called the white-faced hornet, but is actually a yellowjacket. It's easy to spot
since it's our only black and white yellowjacket. Its nest is a gray
"paper" envelope with several layers of combs inside. A mature nest is
bigger than a basketball, but pear-shaped, with the larger end at the top and an entrance
hole near the bottom.

A single, over wintering queen begins building the nest in the
spring. She lays eggs and tends the first batch of larvae that develop into
workers. These workers tend new larvae and expand the nest throughout the
summer. A mature colony can have several hundred workers by the end of the
summer. In fall, workers die and next year's queens find over wintering sites.

Baldfaced hornets are beneficial, capturing insects (often including other
yellowjackets) to feed to their larvae. Though larger than other yellowjackets,
Baldfaced hornets are generally more docile. But they can become aggressive and will
sting when their nest is disturbed or threatened.

A Baldfaced nest is usually constructed high in a tree. In these
cases the nest is best left alone. In fact, Baldfaced hornet nests are often first
noticed in fall when leaves drop, exposing the nest. By this time the hornets are
dead or dying, and the nest will not be reused.

Occasionally you will find a Baldfaced nest built on the side of a
building, in low shrubbery, or even in an attic or shed. Nests in these sited will
probably need to be eliminated.

Treat the hornet nest as late in the evening as
possible. Remember that all wasps, hornets and bees are at rest when it is
dark. Not only will all the hornets be in the nest for you to exterminate (instead
of foraging for food some distance away) , you will be at far less risk when they are
resting. No one wants to treat a hornets' nest with hornets dive-bombing their head!OurWasp & Hornet Elimination Kit
contains everything you need to successfully exterminate a stinging insect nest: 2 cans of
professional Wasp Freeze, 1 Lb. Delta Dust, Crusader Duster for applying your dust.

When approaching the nest, move slowly so as not to disturb
the sleeping pests. If eliminating the nest in late evening is not possible (forcing
you to work in broad daylight), avoid crossing the obvious flight path. You also do
not want to cast a shadow across the nest while you work.

For initial "knockdown" or quick kill, use a
professional wasp freeze such as PT 515. This will enable you to attack the nest
from a distance or reach higher areas without the use of a ladder. The wasp freeze
should first be directed at the entrance of the nest to eliminate any guard wasps.
Next, thoroughly soak the remainder of the nest. For the average size nest (or
larger) you will need two cans of wasp freeze. These types of aerosol are not very
expensive and you do not want to run out of product in the middle of the job!

You can now finish the hornet elimination. This is
best done using Drione Dust or Delta
Dust. Either one of these products will do an excellent job, and they also are
packaged in a container that allows you to apply the dust directly. Ease the tip of
your dust container (or Tech Duster, if you prefer) into the entrance and quickly squeeze
three or four times. This will send the pesticide dust far into the galleries, where
it will remain long enough to kill all hornets.Order
the Wasp and Hornet Elimination kit

After 24 to 48 hours, all hornets should be dead. (If
not, you simply repeat the dust application) You can now safely remove the empty
nest.